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Namsangol Hanok Village 남산골한옥마을
Apr-Oct: 9:00-21:00
Nov-Mar: 9:00-20:00
Garden: 7:00-23:00
Seoul Namsan Gukakdang (Traditional Theater) & Cafe Dalgang: Closed on Monday.
Free
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Chungmuro Station (line 3/4, exit 4). Go forward and turn right onto the lane next to GS25 convenience store and go straight. 4 mins walk.
Namsangol Hanok Village is an ancient village from Joseon period (1392-1910), located on the northern side of Namsan Mountain. It was opened to the public with free admission in 1998.
Why you should visit Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village is often given a miss, particularly by foreign tourists for the more popular Bukchon Hanok Village or even Insadong. However, a trip to Namsangol Hanok Village, with easy walking distance from Myeongdong Station will prove to be a rewarding one for its scenic surrounding and cultural heritage.
It was a famous summer vacation spot during Joseon Dynasty and was called Cheonghak-dong, the place where the gods live due to its beautiful scenery.
Hanok Houses of Important Figures from Joseon Dynasty
Namsangol Hanok Village was known for its five hanoks (traditional Korean houses) from Joseon Dynasty that were located in various parts of the city until the City of Seoul moved and restored them here.
The hanoks reflect different unique characteristics of their owners' background from the Carpenter in charge of constructing Gyeongbokgung Palace, Military General, Son-in-law of King Cheoljong (1831-1864), Parents of Empress Sunjeonghyo (wife of Emperor Sunjong, 1874-1926) to Uncle of Empress Sunjeonghyo (1894-1966).
Discover more at Namsangol Hanok Village (incl. the Time Capsule)
Besides the five heritage hanoks, there are cafe, souvenir shop, traditional garden, pavilions, pond, performance arts stage (Gukakdang) and a time capsule plaza at Namsangol Hanok Village.
The Time Capsule contains 600 items that best represent Seoul and were buried 15m underground on 29 November 1994 to mark Seoul's 600th anniversary as the capital of Korea. The Time Capsule was planned to unearth on 29 November 2394 to mark Seoul's 1,000th anniversary.
Traditional Programs & Activities
Visitors to Namsangol Hanok VIllage can participate in its many traditional programs and activities such as hanbok experience (traditional Korean clothes), falcon experience, hanji (traditional Korean paper), yutnori (traditional board game), Korean writing, traditional tea ceremony, traditional etiquette school and herbal medicine experience. There are also taekwondo performances and other performances in the village.
Fruit Trees, Plants & Flowers at Namsangol Hanok Village
At the Namsangol Traditional Garden, native plants and grasses were planted, and terrain built to enable the natural flow of water to establish the picturesque landscape of ancient times at Namsan.
Autumn Foliage at Namsangol Hanok Village
Cherry Blossoms at Namsangol Hanok Village in Spring
Bonus Feature: Walking Course Guide & Map from Namsangol Hanok Village to Namsan Park
This course leading from Namsangol Hanok Village to Namsan Park, though popular with the locals, is probably one of the best hidden scenic walking courses in Seoul for many foreign visitors.
Course Directions (Duration: 25 mins):
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Turn right and walk up the slight slope upon exit from the back gate of Namsangol Hanok Village.
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Turn right again at the main road, walk straight forward and take the overpass to cross the road.
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On reaching the other end of the overpass, cross the road, turn left and walk toward the short tunnel.
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At the end of the tunnel, you will see the Seoul City Hall Namsan Building.
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Walk past the front of the building and up the slope on the right to reach Namsan Trail, a pedestrian only loop course of 7.5km long around the edge of Namsan Mountain with paths leading to the summit, N Seoul Tower as well.
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Turn RIGHT on the trail. This trail will end at a road with traffic. You will see a steep flight of stairs on your left that will lead you to N Seoul Tower or continue on with the circular loop. If you do not wish to challenge the stairs, you can walk 2 mins further down the road (on your left as well) until you see another shorter stairways ("Sam-Soon Steps") with a building (Education Research & Information Institute) next to it at the top. From here, you can continue onward your course up N Seoul Tower (Trail Guide & Map), circular course or take a bus to your next destination from nearby Namsan Library (Shuttle Bus Guide).
Info Only: Turning LEFT on the trail will lead to near National Theater of Korea where you can continue on the circular loop, get up N Seoul Tower or exit to the nearest subway station. Trail Guide to N Seoul Tower.
How to get to Namsangol Hanok Village
Map of Namsangol Hanok Village
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